His Territory

Chapter 5

Aspen POV

"No way in hell, absolutely not."

I sighed, rubbing my already throbbing head as the arguments went back and forth.

"Who the fuck do you think you are?" Cole roared, every muscle in his body tensed.

"A match for you," River sneered, his fists clenched.

I groaned audibly. If this was what being an alpha was about then frankly I think I drew the short straw. I realised I would have to step in before these two killed each other and ruined the peace treaty before it was a day old.

"Enough!" I shouted, stunning the men into silence.

"You," I yelled, turning to River, "need to get some self control or get out."

"And you," I spat, turning to Cole, "are supposed to be an alpha, start acting like one."

"What, like you?" He sneered, hate and anger bubbling in his eyes.

"Well I seem to be doing a better job than you," I cried, throwing my arms out in exasperation. "At least I've managed to remain peaceful with your pack members."

Cole took a deep breath in, seeming yo try and swallow his anger. His white knuckled regained some colour.

With as non-disgusted expression as I assumed he possessed, he turned back to me.

"Perhaps meeting just us alphas would be more constructive for the time being," he forced out through gritted teeth.

"Fine," I replied, motioning for Sierra and River to leave.

I threw myself back into the upholstered seat behind me as Cole's pack left. It was surreal. Everything about this pack was polished and ornate – how I imagined a museum to be like. Cole closed the door and crossed the office room to sit in the chair opposite me.

"I appreciate that I did not help the atmosphere before," he began, his arms crossed over his muscled chest, "but you repack needs to learn some manners. I'm their alpha now too, and I wont tolerate disrespect."

I sighed.

"Do you think that may be because no one's stood up to you before."

"Do you think it's because your packs never been housetrained?" He retorted.

I grimaced at the remark. It wasn't the first we'd heard since our arrival. Even the way people looked at us was like we were dirty street kids trying to rob their house.

"Don't even start." I spat.

His gaze hardened.

"You don't have to like me or my pack, and when this is over you can go back to being the monster you seem to desperate to be, but whilst this alliance exists," I hissed, "one more comment and I will make you sorry."

His eyes gleamed with anger but he remained very still.

"I may not be everyone's cup of tea," I said with a hushed tone, "and neither may my pack, but I'd rather make a damn good glass of whisky to someone the right taste."

I let out a deep breath. It was like I'd been holding in this frustration for our injustice for years and it had finally come out.

"I will deal with River," I said quietly, his eyes dimming. "I'll ensure he knows his place."

"Good," Cole said, seeming to relax a bit. "Now while you're on our territory we have rules which everyone must follow. They will be strictly enforced."

I nodded, having no doubt that people would look for no excuses to have us thrown out.

"I'll email them to you to sign later," he said, making his way round to the large computer on the desk. "What's your email address?"